Odyssey Resorts has promoted Howard Anderson to CEO, effective May 1. Kirk Schultz is retiring from the position he has held since 2019 and will stay on in an advisory role during the transition.
As CEO, Anderson will provide strategic direction and lead the day-to-day financial operations of Odyssey Resorts. The company owns and manages a portfolio of nine resorts located in the North Shore of Lake Superior and the Brainerd Lakes areas in Minnesota.
“Howard Anderson is the right person to be the next CEO of Odyssey Resorts as he has proven to be an invaluable asset to our guests and an advocate for our team members,” said T.J. McMillan, CEO, Blackburn Investment Management, a lead investor in Odyssey Resorts. “He has a deep knowledge of the current state of the hospitality business and is a collaborative thinker focused on achieving goals and planning for future success. We are also grateful to Kirk Schultz and his years of service, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He steered Odyssey through some very difficult times with poise and grace.”
Anderson joined Odyssey Resorts in 2022 as VP, strategic planning and was promoted to COO in 2023. He has guided and managed several of the organization’s key functions, including sales and marketing, group sales and resort operations. He has overseen key initiatives for the company, including the addition of the Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort in Deerwood, MN, to the portfolio in 2023 and the creation of new food and beverage programs at Odyssey’s core restaurants at Grand Superior Lodge, Larsmont Cottages and Caribou Highlands Lodge.
Anderson has more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. He served as VP, operations at ZMC Hotels before joining Odyssey Resorts.
“Hospitality is part of who I am and something I care deeply about,” said Anderson. “I am excited to lead the next chapter of Odyssey Resorts. With unbelievable properties in one-of-a-kind locations, we can offer unmatched vacation experiences. I look forward to working with our strong team to deliver lasting memories for our many valued guests and homeowners.”
